[1] Welcome to the First Edition of Your Weekly English Boost! - Nike
Sylwia Głębicka
26 Aug 2024
•
12 min read
“Don't tell people how to do things.Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with the results.”- Phil Knight, Nike founder in his book Shoe Dog.
Dear Reader,
Whether you're a language enthusiast, a professional seeking to sharpen your communication skills, or simply someone with a passion for learning, this newsletter is designed with you in mind. Each week, we'll explore a variety of engaging topics that not only immerse you in English language but also offer fresh perspectives on current events, cultural trends, and more.
This isn't just a recap of what happens during my lessons—it's a resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills. Inside, you’ll find a blend of vocabulary, thought-provoking questions, and practical activities that will challenge and inspire you, regardless of your current level of proficiency.
Expect to discover:
Language in Action: Practical vocabulary and phrases relevant to today’s world, whether you’re engaging in a business meeting or a casual conversation.
Hot Topics and Deep Dives: Insightful commentary on trending news, cultural phenomena, and ideas worth discussing-perfect for sparking conversation or reflecting on your own.
Practice Makes Perfect: Curated resources including articles, videos, and exercises to help you refine your skills and apply what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios.
Our goal is to make learning enjoyable, accessible, and relevant to everyone. So, whether you’re following along with my lessons or just dropping in for some linguistic inspiration, I hope you find something valuable in each edition.
Let’s start with one of the recent controversies related to Nike’s Vaporfly shoes. My guess is that they don’t need any introduction, but in case you missed the news, here’s what they look like: Nike Vaporfly
source: nike.com
When Nike introduced the Vaporfly 4% to the public a year later, it made a bold claim: the shoe could enhance a runner's efficiency by four percent, making them faster without additional training or effort. Both Nike's internal research and independent studies supported this assertion. The demand was so high that running stores quickly sold out, sparking debates about whether the shoe should be banned from major competitions. Thus began the era of the super shoe.
Watch the video and try to answer the following questions:
Should Nike have opposed the regulations, considering they hinder technological advancements and limit athletes’ potential for improved performance?
How do you think athletes who have trained and won with the Nike Vaporfly shoes feel about the regulations?
Should organisations like World Athletics have the authority to implement technology-related regulations in sport?
Look at the words that can support your discussion:
If you want to challenge yourself here’s a little practice of the given words: crossword
If you’re reading this newsletter, I’m sure you are already familiar with the book. Here’s a brief summary from the book cover: In 1962, fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed $50 from his father and created a company with a simple mission: to import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the trunk of his Plymouth, Knight grossed $8,000 in his first year. Today, Nike's annual sales exceed $30 billion. In an era of startups, Nike is the ne plus ultra of all startups, and the Swoosh has become a revolutionary, globe-spanning icon—one of the most ubiquitous and recognizable symbols in the world.
In case you’re wondering, here are some key takeaways from "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, a captivating memoir that details the journey of Nike's founder and the evolution of the company:
1. The Importance of Passion and Vision
Phil Knight emphasizes the significance of pursuing your passions and having a clear vision. His initial idea of importing high-quality athletic shoes from Japan was fueled by his love for running and sports.
2. Embrace Risk and Uncertainty
The path to success is rarely straightforward. Knight faced numerous challenges and uncertainties, from financial struggles to fierce competition. Embracing risk was crucial for navigating these obstacles.
3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Knight's journey was marked by setbacks and failures. His resilience and determination to overcome these challenges were essential in building Nike into a global powerhouse.
4. The Power of Teamwork
Building a successful company requires a dedicated team. Knight highlights the importance of collaboration and surrounding yourself with talented individuals who share your vision.
5. Innovation and Adaptation
Nike's success can be attributed to its constant innovation and ability to adapt to changing market demands. The development of the Vaporfly shoes and other technologies showcases how innovation drives growth.
6. Customer Focus
Knight underscores the importance of understanding and prioritizing customer needs. Nike's focus on creating high-performance products resonated with athletes and helped establish brand loyalty.
7. The Role of Branding
The creation of the iconic Swoosh logo and effective branding strategies were crucial to Nike's identity. Knight illustrates how branding can create a powerful connection with consumers.
8. Financial Acumen
Managing finances is vital for any business. Knight discusses the challenges of funding and cash flow management, highlighting the importance of financial literacy in business success.
9. Learning from Competitors
Knight emphasises the importance of observing and learning from competitors. He was inspired by other companies and used their strategies to refine Nike's approach.
10. Cultural Impact
Nike evolved from a small startup to a cultural icon. The book discusses how the company shaped and was shaped by cultural trends, influencing sports, fashion, and lifestyle.
11. Balancing Work and Personal Life
Knight reflects on the sacrifices he made in his personal life while building Nike. He stresses the importance of finding a balance between work and personal well-being.
12. Legacy and Giving Back
Towards the end of the book, Knight contemplates his legacy and the importance of giving back to the community. He encourages readers to think about how they can contribute positively to society.
But my guess is that many could relate to his memoir. Each of us might have a 'crazy idea' in our heads, but instead of pursuing it, we doubt its success and focus on the internal voice that begs us to stop. Phil encourages us to simply ignoring it and “when it’s not possible to forget it you must simply negotiate with it”.
Is there any other lesson learnt? Watch the interview with Phil Knight here and think of 5 adjectives you might want to describe him and the following questions:
What inspired Phil Knight to start Nike?
What was ine of the scariest moments for Phil Knight during his journey with Nike?
What does Phil believe is the key to success?
By the way, here are a bunch of words you can use to replace the word 'problem' with:
issue: The team encountered a significant issue with the software update that delayed the project's completion.
drawback: The only drawback to working remotely is the lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues.
adversity: Despite facing adversity throughout his career, he remained resilient and ultimately achieved great success.
roadblock: Negotiations hit a roadblock when both sides refused to compromise on key issues.
bottleneck: The production process faced a bottleneck due to a shortage of raw materials, slowing down the overall output.
And here’s a little test for you:
True or False: A drawback is always a minor issue that does not affect the overall outcome of a project.
True or False: Overcoming adversity often leads to personal growth and success.
Explain how a shortage of resources can create a bottleneck in a production process.
The production team encountered a r_ _db_ _ _ _ when they discovered that a critical supplier was unable to deliver materials on time.
Despite numerous challenges and __________ throughout her career, she continued to pursue her goals without giving up.
Further Resources:
the interview with Phil Knight at Standfort University (36 minutes)
the article on one of the latest Nike shoes (spoiler: they are heated)
the podcast about Tiger Woods explaining the 27-year Nike partnership which earned Tiger Woods roughly 500M dollars making him a billionaire with a net worth of 1.1 Billion dollars as of 2023. For The Shoedog, Tiger Woods is a big reason for Nike to be where it is today.
Podcast available on BBC Sounds app which I highly recommend.
What’s next:
Which word from today’s newsletter would you like to implement in your daily conversations?
Before I sign off, I want to share a bit of my personal journey with you. For over a year, I hesitated to start this newsletter, wondering if it would truly add value or stand out among the many language resources available today. The idea of creating something meaningful—something that goes beyond the traditional language courses—was both exciting and daunting.
It’s taken time, reflection, and a bit of courage to finally launch this initiative, and my hope is that it will spark genuine interest and curiosity in you, just as it has in me. Whether you’re here to brush up on your English or simply explore new ideas, I’m grateful that you’ve chosen to be part of this journey. Together, I believe we can create something that’s not just educational, but also enriching and inspiring.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the weeks to come.
I hope this newsletter becomes a valuable part of your weekly routine every Saturday at 6:50. 💛
Feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or topics you’d like me to cover in future editions. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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